First Team News

City complete signing of Yaya Toure

yaya toure and garry cook

Manchester City have secured the signing of Yaya Toure on a five-year deal from Barcelona.

The Ivory Coast international midfielder returned from World Cup duty on Monday following the African side’s exit from the tournament.

Toure has completed a medical with City physios in Spain and also finalised the details of his switch from the Spanish Champions.

The 27-year-old is one of the World’s most coveted midfield players. Signed in the summer of 2007, Toure has since enjoyed a decorated three-year spell at the Nou Camp. He picked up a Champions League winner’s medal in 2009, when he played in the 1-0 final victory over Manchester United. He was also a regular in Barca’s 2008/09 and 2009/10 La Liga title winning sides.

Coming off the back of Wednesday’s announcement of the signing of Valencia forward David Silva, manager Roberto Mancini was delighted to also secure the services of Toure. He said: “This is another fantastic signing for Manchester City, and I am very pleased Yaya has joined us, he is a very good player.

“Everyone knows Yaya is a player that we have admired for a long time, and we would like to welcome him to Manchester City. He has played at the top level with Barcelona and I am sure he his experience and ability will be very important for us.”

He will now enjoy a three-week holiday following Ivory Coast’s exit from the World Cup, before joining up with his new team-mates, including elder brother Kolo, for the forthcoming tour to the United States of America.